As a parent, teacher, or caregiver, instilling values of kindness and empathy in children is one of the most important tasks we undertake. Children who learn to be kind and empathetic from an early age tend to be more compassionate, understanding, and successful in their relationships and endeavors throughout life. One way to encourage kindness and empathy in kids is through the books we read to them or that they read on their own.
Here is a list of some of the best kids’ books for encouraging kindness and empathy:
THE GIVING TREE – BY SHEL SILVERSTEIN
This classic tale tells the story of a tree that loves a boy and gives him everything it has, including its branches and trunk. The tree’s selfless love and willingness to sacrifice for the boy teaches children the value of generosity and selflessness.
LOVE – BY MATT DE LA PENA
“Love” by Matt de la Peña: This beautiful picture book celebrates the many forms love can take and shows how love can bring people together. The illustrations, which depict a diverse group of people, help kids understand that love knows no boundaries.
HAVE YOU FILLED A BUCKET TODAY – BY CAROL MCCLOUD
This simple yet powerful story teaches kids about the concept of “bucket filling,” or the idea that our words and actions can either fill or drain the “buckets” of those around us. By showing children how their words and actions can have a positive impact on others, this book encourages kids to be kind and empathetic towards others.
THE INVISIBLE BOY – BY TRUDY LUDWIG
This book tells the story of a boy named Brian who often goes unnoticed by his classmates. When a new student arrives, she sees Brian’s potential and helps him come out of his shell. This book teaches kids the importance of being kind to those who may be overlooked or left out.
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THE WORLD NEEDS MORE PURPLE PEOPLE – BY KRISTEN BELL & BENJAMIN HART
In this charming picture book, actress Kristen Bell and her husband, actor Dax Shepard, team up to teach kids about the value of individuality and the importance of accepting others for who they are.
THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE – BY C.S LEWIS
This classic tale from The Chronicles of Narnia series follows four siblings as they enter a magical world through a wardrobe. Along the way, they encounter talking animals, evil witches, and a brave lion named Aslan who teaches them about courage, self-sacrifice, and the power of love.
OSKAR AND THE EIGHT BLESSINGS – BY TANYA AND RICHARD SIMON
Set in 1938, this book tells the story of a young Jewish boy named Oskar who is sent to live with his grandparents in New York City just before the outbreak of World War II. Through his experiences, Oskar learns about kindness, empathy, and the power of love to bring people together.
MY FRIEND IS SAD – BY MO WILLEMS
This humorous and relatable book follows the story of Elephant and Piggie as they try to cheer up their sad friend. Along the way, they learn about the importance of being there for each other and showing kindness and empathy towards others.
THE GIVING BOOK – BY ELLEN SABIN
This interactive book encourages kids to think about the different ways they can give to others, whether it be through their time, talents, or treasures. Through activities and prompts, kids are encouraged to practice acts of kindness and empathy in their own lives.
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In addition to these books, there are many other ways to encourage kindness and empathy in children. Some other ideas include:
Modeling kind and empathetic behavior
Children often learn by watching and copying the behavior of adults around them. By demonstrating kindness and empathy in your own actions, you can set a positive example for your children to follow.
Encourage volunteering and service
Volunteering and serving others is a great way for kids to learn about empathy and the impact they can have on their community. Look for opportunities for your children to volunteer at a local shelter, food bank, or other organization in need.
Talk about emotions
Helping kids understand and label their own emotions, as well as the emotions of others, is an important step in developing empathy. Encourage your children to talk about how they feel and what might be causing those feelings.
Practice perspective-taking
Encourage your children to consider the feelings and experiences of others. For example, you could ask them to think about how a classmate might feel if they were left out of a game or how a neighbor might feel if they lost their home in a natural disaster.
Overall, reading books that encourage kindness and empathy is just one way to help kids develop these important values. By incorporating these ideas into your daily routine and consistently reinforcing them, you can help your children grow into compassionate and empathetic individuals.
